While the world pauses to reflect the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford, some long-term NJSBA members may recall a brush with him more than two decades ago.

It was Oct. 27, 1976, two years into Ford’s presidency, when 3,000 guests welcomed the president as keynote speaker at NJSBA’s 24th annual conference in Atlantic City—the year before casinos began setting up shop.

Mary Alice Durham, now executive assistant to the NJSBA executive director, was a secretary in the Association’s governmental relations department at the time. She recalls the playing of “Hail to the Chief” as Ford took the stage behind a podium with the presidential seal.

“By the time he began to speak it was standing room only. That was an event that nobody wanted to miss,” Durham said.

In a 20-minute speech, Ford talked about his commitment to lessening the federal government’s involvement with education. He also stressed his strong support for the concept of local control over education.

Secret Service Joe Flannery, who retired from NJSBA as director of communications in 1992, recalls being put to work by the Secret Service during Ford’s visit at The Chalfonte-Haddon Hall, now Resorts International.

In particular, he remembers the Secret Services’ cardinal rule: “Don’t make any quick moves” when shaking hands with the president—lift your hand up slowly.

A field service representative at the time, Flannery also recalls the intense media interest.

“You knew that he was going to be there in a couple of minutes because the media came flying in to try to get spots and pictures,” Flannery said.

That day, Flannery had attended two early-morning meetings with the Secret Service and was among the NJSBA staff members who kept an eye on the audience to make sure no one got out their seats or tried to approach the president for autographs.

Genuine “He was very personable; he looked like an extremely genuine person. Sort of down to earth, not full of himself as some politicians tend to be,” said Flannery, 76, who now lives in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Today, political observers use the term “authenticity” to describe that quality. And according to Flannery, it was evident even in the president’s handshake. “It was a genuine handshake, almost appreciating you being there,” he said.

Headline Speaker Lloyd Newbaker was NJSBA’s deputy executive director in 1976. He recalls the Secret Service conducting a sweep of the facility and that Ford’s appearance made the Association’s annual conference the most well-attended it had sponsored up to that time.

“He was invited and he appeared as a major headline speaker at our Workshop...it wasn’t one of those casual drop-ins and give a speech. He had prepared remarks for our audience,” said Newbaker, who later served as NJSBA executive director from 1978 to 1985. “They were just wowed about his appearance.”

Newbaker was on stage with the president. (He is pictured at the far right in the photo above.) He recalls Ford addressing the crowd about public service.

“He was a very gracious, down-to-earth person, who made you very feel comfortable,” said Newbaker, 75, now retired and living in Hunterdon County.

Ford died Dec. 26 at age 93 at his home in California. He took office in 1974 following the resignation of President Nixon and is credited with adding stability and direction to the nation following the trauma of Watergate.

The state of New Jersey, which Ford carried in the 1976 election, will honor him by ordering all flags flown at half-staff until Jan. 25.

“President Ford’s distinguished career as a public servant was marked by integrity, candor, humility and decency,” stated Senate President Richard J. Codey, who stepped in as acting governor for Corzine over the holidays, in an executive order issued Dec. 27. “His service … during a difficult time in this country’s history provided a steady hand and help to uphold the principle of the rule of law.”